Celebrating 76 Years of Israeli Independence
A Journey of Resilience and Friendship.
A Historical Milestone: Yom Ha'atzmaut
On Yom Ha'atzmaut, 14th May 2024, we celebrate 76 years of Israel’s Independence. This momentous occasion is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Israeli people, who have overcome numerous challenges to establish and maintain their sovereign state. We extend our heartiest felicitations to our Israeli and Jewish friends within Israel, the USA, and indeed all over the world.
Solidarity with the Jewish Diaspora
As the state with the largest Jewish population outside of Israel, New York stands in solidarity with the Israeli people. The bond between the Jewish diaspora in the United States and Israel is strong, rooted in shared history and mutual support. The influential Jewish diaspora and community in the USA have made significant contributions in fields such as science, high-tech, and philanthropy, wielding considerable political clout. This has led to almost total bipartisan support from both parties, despite rumblings of protests in some US educational institutions.
Challenges and Triumphs
The Struggle for Independence
The events leading to the establishment of Israel in May 1948 were a culmination of historical developments and international decisions. The Balfour Declaration of 1917, the period of Mandatory Palestine, and the United Nations Partition Plan for Palestine in 1947 were key milestones. The British withdrawal in 1948 set the stage for the declaration of the State of Israel, leading to the Arab-Israeli War (1948-1949) against the nascent republic, which it valiantly defended.
Wars and Conflicts
Israel's journey after Independence has been marked by several significant conflicts. The 1948 War of Independence was just the beginning. The Six-Day War of 1967 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973 were pivotal moments in Israel's history, testing the nation's resilience and military strength. These conflicts, though challenging, solidified Israel's presence and territorial boundaries.
Peace Efforts
Despite the challenges, Israel has made significant strides towards peace. The Camp David Accords and the Oslo Accords were landmark agreements aimed at resolving long-standing conflicts and fostering a peaceful coexistence in the region. While the journey towards lasting peace continues, these agreements were crucial steps in the right direction.
Israel's Dual Identity: A Jewish and Secular State
Israel is widely regarded as a Jewish state, offering relatively easy immigration and citizenship to Jews from around the world. However, approximately 20% of Israel's population consists of Arab citizens, including Palestinians, who are the descendants of those who remained within Israel's borders after the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. Despite its strong Jewish identity, Israel defines itself as both a Jewish and democratic state. While it maintains this Jewish character, the Declaration of Independence and Basic Laws provide for equal rights for all citizens, regardless of ethnicity or religion. The Basic Law: Human Dignity and Liberty emphasizes the country's commitment to democratic principles and the protection of individual rights, underscoring Israel's secular governance structure that respects freedom of religion and belief. This balance allows Israel to connect deeply with the Jewish people without enforcing religious laws or practices.
India-Israel Relations: A Bond of Friendship
India and Israel share a robust relationship, characterized by mutual respect and cooperation. Diplomatic ties between the two nations have strengthened over the years, with collaborations in areas such as technology, agriculture, and defence. This partnership is a testament to the shared values and interests that bind India and Israel. What is not so well known is that, in an overall atmosphere of hostility and discrimination throughout history, Jews—even from the pre-Christian era—found a welcoming home and haven in India, a subject we recently wrote about1.
Reflecting on the Jewish Exodus
The story of the Jewish Exodus from Egypt is a pivotal event in Jewish history and has been a central theme in Jewish culture and identity. The biblical account of the Exodus, as recorded in the book of Exodus, describes the Israelites' enslavement in Egypt, their subsequent liberation by God through the leadership of Moses, and their journey to the Promised Land. Additionally, King David's legacy is profoundly significant in Jewish history, symbolizing the unity and strength of the Jewish people. The Star of David, an enduring symbol of Jewish identity, figures prominently in Israel's national flag, representing the connection to their rich heritage and the enduring spirit of the nation.
Biblical References
The Exodus is marked by several significant events, including the Ten Plagues, the parting of the Red Sea, and the giving of the Ten Commandments. These events symbolize the transition from slavery to freedom and the establishment of the Israelites as a distinct nation. Moses' ascent of Mount Sinai, where he received the Decalogue, still stands as the moral compass of the nation.
Through the Ages
The story of the Exodus has been retold and reinterpreted throughout Jewish history, symbolizing Jewish redemption and the struggle for human rights. It serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and perseverance of the Jewish people.
The Holocaust and its Aftermath
The Holocaust in the Nazi Germany was a devastating event that had a profound impact on Jewish identity and the world at large. It catalyzed the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 and the creation of the United Nations' Declaration of Human Rights, emphasizing the importance of protecting human rights and preventing genocide, in future.
A Somber Independence Day Amidst Ongoing Conflict
Israel marked a somber Independence Day and Memorial Day this time, subdued by the toll of the ongoing war in Gaza and deepening political fractures within the country. The customary torch-lighting ceremony was prerecorded rather than broadcast live, officially due to security considerations but possibly to avoid scenes of hecklers berating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other government ministers. Many of Netanyahu’s domestic critics blame him and his allies for the events of October 7, when the militant group Hamas launched an unprecedented terrorist attack, resulting in the bloodiest day in Jewish history since the Holocaust.
A significant portion of Israeli society is furious with Netanyahu over his perceived unwillingness to prioritize the release and repatriation of Israeli hostages still in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Families and friends of the hostages staged an alternative “torch-dousing” ceremony to express their anger and disquiet.
As Israeli forces continue their incursion into Rafah, the southern Gazan city that has become a refuge for over a million displaced Palestinians, Netanyahu faces growing reproach at home. Israel Defense Forces chief of staff Herzl Halevi has criticized Netanyahu’s lack of commitment to a “day after” plan for the Gaza Strip, which would address the security and political vacuum in the war-ravaged territory. Halevi echoed the frustrations of many Israeli security officials, warning that without a diplomatic process to develop a non-Hamas governing body in Gaza, Israel will be forced into a Sisyphean task of launching repeated military campaigns to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.
Conclusion: A Vision of Optimism
As we celebrate 76 years of Israel’s Independence, we reflect on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped the nation. From the early struggles for independence to the ongoing efforts towards peace, Israel's journey is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. The ongoing Hamas-Israel conflict and Israel's strong, although controversial, response highlight the nation's commitment to its security.
The strong ties between Israel and its allies, including India, further strengthen the vision of a prosperous and peaceful future. India continues to be a trusted friend to Israel while maintaining cordial relations with Arab countries, a testament to Narendra Modi’s deft diplomacy.
We wish Israel a happy occasion. Long live the Republic of Israel!
